Gears of War: E-Day was revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase on June 9, 2024. It is a prequel about the Locust invasion of Sera on Emergence Day, starring younger Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago. The announced global launch date, October 6, 2026, has now passed; Xbox’s official game page currently offers purchase links.
What is Gears of War: E-Day?
E-Day is an origin story set 14 years before the original Gears of War. It returns to the first Locust emergence on Sera, when the Horde erupts from below and humanity faces a fight for survival. The story follows younger versions of Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Gears of War: E-Day | Standard Edition | XBOX Series X | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Gears of War E-Day | Premium Edition | XBOX Series X|S and Windows Digital | $99.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Gears of War 3 (Renewed) | $14.17 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Xbox One - Gears Of War 5 - [PAL EU - NO NTSC]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51duB8cYpdL._SL160_.jpg)
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Xbox One - Gears Of War 5 - [PAL EU - NO NTSC] | $16.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Gears of War 3 | $3.81 | Buy on Amazon |
The Coalition chose this moment rather than making a direct sequel. Creative Director Matt Searcy described Emergence Day as the point where the franchise’s defining ideas converge: “We realized that a lot of the words we use to describe the franchise were what our fans also use, phrases like brotherhood, brutality, pathos, awe,” says Searcy. “Why E-Day? That’s the moment it all comes together. It’s the heart of the Gears universe. Everything that happens is shaped by this day.” (Xbox Wire, June 9, 2024)
What did the Xbox Showcase trailer reveal?
The surprise reveal included an in-engine trailer taking the series back to the Locust’s first attack. The announcement established the setting, the younger Marcus and Dom, and the game’s focus on the beginning of the conflict. The Coalition said it wanted to preserve Gears’ third-person, cover-based action while building an explosive campaign around character-led storytelling—something that felt new while remaining recognizably Gears.
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- AN ORIGIN STORY BEGINS — Fight alongside Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago in the gripping origin story of Emergence Day, as the Locust Horde erupts from below.
- A DARKER, GRITTIER THREAT — Face reimagined enemies and a terrifying underground invasion that restores the fear, dread, and intensity at the heart of the Gears of War series.
- MULTIPLAYER EVOLVED — Battle in Horde Siege for large‑scale PvE action or prove your skill in refined Versus PvP with greater precision and competitive depth.
- CLASSIC COMBAT, MODERNIZED — Experience signature cover‑based gameplay enhanced with updated movement, traversal, and controls that feel like Gears while playing like something new.
- CO‑OP YOUR WAY — Play online with up to four players across Campaign, Horde Siege, and Versus, or team up locally with 2‑player split‑screen co‑op on console.
When did E-Day launch, and where is it available?
Xbox Wire announced October 6, 2026 as the global launch date. That date has passed as of October 8, 2026. Xbox’s official E-Day game page now says “Get it Now” and provides purchase links for Windows and Steam. Xbox Wire’s June 2026 coverage listed Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, cloud, Xbox Play Anywhere, Game Pass Ultimate, and Steam among the platforms and access options; check the official page for current availability in your region.
What can you play in E-Day?
Campaign
The official game page says the campaign can be played solo, in split-screen co-op, or online with up to four players. It describes cover-based combat with modernized movement and traversal.
Rank #2
- PREMIUM EDITION — Includes Bravo Squad Signature Weapon Pack, five Seasonal Customization Packs starting with the Emergence Pack, plus 1,000 Iron to unlock additional in‑game content.
- AN ORIGIN STORY BEGINS — Fight alongside Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago in the gripping origin story of Emergence Day, as the Locust Horde erupts from below.
- A DARKER, GRITTIER THREAT — Face reimagined enemies and a terrifying underground invasion that restores the fear, dread, and intensity at the heart of the Gears of War series.
- MULTIPLAYER EVOLVED — Battle in Horde Siege for large‑scale PvE action or prove your skill in refined Versus PvP with greater precision and competitive depth.
- CLASSIC COMBAT, MODERNIZED — Experience signature cover‑based gameplay enhanced with updated movement, traversal, and controls that feel like Gears while playing like something new.
Horde Siege and Versus
Horde Siege is a PvE wave-survival mode. Versus is competitive PvP, with new maps and 4v4 modes, according to the official game page.
Technical claims
The official page says the game is rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5 and describes 4K resolution and up to 60FPS across campaign and multiplayer. These are product-page specifications, not independently verified performance results.
Rank #3
- Disc only. Original case and manual not included. Will come packaged in a generic case.
- This renewed game has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear.
What is in the Collector’s Edition?
The Coalition’s June 8, 2026 announcement describes an Xbox Series X Collector’s Edition that includes the Premium Edition on physical disc, plus a 15-inch statue, replica COG tags, a SteelBook, a replica in-game photograph, an art print, and a keepsake box. The announced Collector’s Edition early-access date was October 1, 2026, ahead of the October 6 global launch; both dates have passed. The announcement said availability varies by region and quantities are limited, so current stock must be checked with retailers.
The official pages establish the key format and contents differences, but do not establish current prices or retailer inventory:
| Option | Format and contents | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Standard purchase | Digital purchase links for Windows and Steam appear on the official game page; a physical Xbox Series X version is also confirmed in the Collector’s Edition announcement. | Players who want the game without the Collector’s Edition memorabilia. |
| Collector’s Edition | Xbox Series X Premium Edition on physical disc, with the listed statue and other memorabilia. | Collectors who want a disc copy and franchise items, if available in their region. |
See The Coalition’s Collector’s Edition announcement for the edition details. It does not confirm present-day stock at any particular retailer.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This item does not work outside US. We cannot guarantee compatibility. You can contact the call center for more information on compatibility.
- Enthralling cinematic story. Experience the epic finale to the Gears of War trilogy
- Unparalleled gameplay
- One of the definitive multiplayer experiences on Xbox LIVE
- Gears of War 3 pushes the envelope for stunning visuals on Xbox 360
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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